Tottenham man compares himself to ‘passionate’ £160k-a-week Arsenal figure

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Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has compared himself to Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta in his Friday press conference – as per Football London – saying they share a “passionate” approach ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Gunners.

Arsenal sit at the top of the table and only last time out in the League, saw the Gunners drop points. A 0-0 draw against Newcastle at The Emirates – with the Toon currently sitting in third. Tottenham’s form has been poor of late.

But a 4-0 away win over Palace, and then a comfortable 1-0 victory over League One Portsmouth in the FA Cup has re-established some momentum. Arsenal will certainly be the favourites on Sunday, even if Tottenham are at home.

Speaking ahead of the game, Tottenham boss Conte compared himself to £160k-a-week Arsenal manager Arteta. He said that the duo share a passionate approach to managing on the touchline, both emotional and spontaneous.

“Everyone tries to live the situation in the way that they like to live. Arteta is another coach that shows his passion and transfer this into the pitch and his players, but honestly I’m seeing a lot of coaches involved in the game.

“Arteta is a coach like me, we show passion. What happens on the pitch is motion. Nothing’s prepared in your mind. You can celebrate in a strange way but this is pure passion. Arteta is another coach who likes to live the game.”

Tottenham boss Conte compares himself to Arsenal gaffer Arteta

Conte is right. The duo do share similarities in that they are sometimes overzealous in their actions on the touchline. Even this season, Conte and Thomas Tuchel had that handshake. Arteta has been criticised against Newcastle.

Arsenal claimed for a penalty which would have been harsh. But Arteta’s jumping around the fourth official saw Eddie Howe tell him to calm down, to which Arteta then aimed on the Toon boss. Uncalled for, but passionate.

It is just a way these two work. Living right on the edge, on the edge of the pitch. Kicking every ball, leaping for every header, arms aloft for every goal. Who will be doing the latter on Sunday? Arsenal look more likely.